Washington, DC – Today, Representative John Conyers, Jr.(D – MI) released the following statement applauding the work of Representative Anthony Weiner (D- NY) to promote the cause of single-payer national health care:

“I want to thank my friend and fellow Judiciary Committee colleague, Anthony Weiner, for his courageous efforts on behalf of the single payer movement to attempt to secure a true up-or-down vote on a single-payer substitute amendment to the health care reform bill. It is unfortunate that the vote ultimately offered to Rep. Weiner and other single-payer supporters would have required a two-thirds majority for passage in the House of Representatives. The American people deserve a true debate on the floor of the House on the benefits of single-payer health care. I decided to withdraw my support for a vote that did not give the amendment a fair chance to succeed.

“Although single-payer legislation will not come up for a vote, I want to personally express my strong appreciation to Rep. Weiner for his effort to advance the cause of Medicare-for-All in this debate. Working collaboratively with my office, Rep. Weiner and his staff made a valiant effort to accurately reflect the legislative intent of H.R. 676.

“As we move forward with this historic vote on health care reform, I look forward to working with Rep. Weiner and my fellow Members of Congress to pass a bill that improves meaningful access to health care for the American people. And, whatever the outcome of the current effort, I am heartened to know that the cause of single-payer health care reform has found a true hero and passionate advocate in Representative Anthony Weiner. With his leadership and our continued efforts, I am certain we will have Medicare-For-All single-payer health care in our lifetime.”